New Cleveland Browns head coach Hue Jackson has retained special teams coordinator Chris Tabor, the team announced Friday.
Tabor has been with the Browns since 2011.
“I’m excited to be able to retain Chris Tabor as our special teams coordinator,” Jackson, who was named head coach Wednesday after being offensive coordinator of the Cincinnati Bengals the past two seasons, said in a statement. “Chris is an outstanding coach. He is incredibly knowledgeable and possesses the passion necessary to motivate his unit.
“They play hard and tough while paying attention to all the details and nuances that make the huge impact needed to win on special teams. Obviously, I’ve seen the success he’s had with the Browns’ special teams unit first hand in my time in this division. It’s a blessing to have him as a member of this high-quality staff we are in the process of building.”
Since Tabor’s arrival, the Browns lead the NFL in punt return average (11.3), are tied for fifth in kickoff return average against (21.7) and are tied for sixth in punt return touchdowns (four). The Browns have won six AFC Special Teams Player of the Week awards from 2011-15.
“My family and I really love it here in Cleveland,” Tabor said. “It’s great to be able to stay in one place for such a long period of time, keep your system in place and continue to coach some the same players. This is a great place to coach and I’m excited about working with Hue.”
Last season, Tabor guided a special teams unit that finished fourth in the NFL in punt return average (11.2), fifth in kickoff return yards (1,041) and fifth in total kick return yards (1,366). First-year kicker Travis Coons set an NFL record with 18 consecutive field goals to start his career. Punter Andy Lee set franchise best single-season marks in punt average (46.71) and net punt average (40.13). Punt returner Travis Benjamin finished third in the league in punt return average (11.6).
Prior to joining the Browns, Tabor spent three seasons (2008-10) as assistant special teams coach with the Chicago Bears.